Man Utd prepare for Man City clash at ancient former training ground just hours before game as Solskjaer gives his superstars a ‘reality check’

MANCHESTER UNITED prepared for Wednesday's monster derby showdown at their ancient former training ground, The Cliff.

The Norwegian boss, 46, took his squad to the old complex in a bid to turn around his side's horrific run of form ahead of the derby with Manchester City.

Eamonn and James Clarke8 Man Utd returned to their ancient former training ground, The CliffEamonn and James Clarke8 Solskjaer led his Man Utd squad to The Cliff training facility at 10.30amEamonn and James Clarke8 The entire squad were put through their paces at The Cliff around midday

United host Manchester City at Old Trafford on the back of six defeats in their last eight games, including the 4-0 loss at Everton on Sunday.

Solskjaer, whose side were in red-hot form during his time as interim boss, wants to give his pampered stars a "reality check".

The entire squad checked out of the Hilton hotel in Deansgate at 10.30am having skipped their traditional pre-match night at the Lowry due to roadworks.

And they hotfooted straight over to The Cliff to get down to business ahead of the crucial clash against their cross-town rivals.

Not only are City gunning to gain the upper-hand over Liverpool in the race for the Premier League crown, but United have a top-four spot hanging on a thread.

OLE'S SORRY TO FANS

Solskjaer – who apologised to fans for the Goodison Park embarrassment – claims players were hurt by the manner of their most-recent defeat and needed a kick up the backside.

Speaking recently, he said some of his players needed a "reality check" about the responsibilities of playing for Manchester United.

The "Baby-Faced Assassin" believes a change in scenery will be just the ticket as they aim to get one over on Pep Guardiola and Co.

The Red Devils sit sixth going into the derby, but sit just three points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea – and with a game in hand.

United moved into The Cliff facility in 1938 – and was later bought by the club in 1951 – after it was initially used as a cricket and tennis club.

The ground had floodlights installed BEFORE Old Trafford was even afforded the luxury – and the youth team played their matches there.

While exuding a certain charm, Sir Alex Ferguson moved his players away from The Cliff in the late 1990s – and to Carrington, now called the Aon Training Complex.

Fergie believed the facilities weren't up to scratch at The Cliff and was far too exposed to the public – and therefore press.

And United's return to their old home today is just the start of a renaissance for the complex.

Manchester United Women are said to be moving there having been promoted to the Women's Super League and plan to renovate The Cliff entirely.

Eamonn and James Clarke8 Man Utd host City on Wednesday, desperate to steal a famous winEamonn and James Clarke8 Solskjaer wants to give his pampered stars a reality check ahead of CityPA:Empics Sport8 Man Utd used The Cliff between 1938 and the late 1990sGetty8 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer himself used to train at The Cliff under FergieTimes Newspapers Ltd8 Man Utd's stars will today be put through their paces at The Cliff